Category: 8. Health

About The Study: In a large sample of U.S. children born between 1959 and 1966, higher blood pressure (BP) at age 7 was associated with greater risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. These findings build upon prior research that linked childhood systolic BP with fatal CVD in young adulthood, but that sample had a follow-up duration through a mean age of only 46 years. This study extends that work with follow-up into the mid-50s and demonstrated consistency in the magnitude of the associations within siblings, which mitigates concerns regarding unmeasured confounding due to shared family or lifestyle characteristics.

Research Highlights:

• Children who had higher blood pressure at age 7 were more likely to die early from cardiovascular disease by their mid-50s. The risk was highest for children whose blood pressure measurements were in the top 10% for their age, sex and height.
• Both elevated blood pressure (90-94^th percentile) and hypertension (≥95^th percentile) were linked with about a 40% to 50% higher risk of early cardiovascular death in adulthood.
• Researchers said their findings show why it’s important to regularly check children’s blood pressure and to help them develop heart-healthy habits early that can help lower their risk of health conditions later in life.
• Note: The study featured in this news release is a research abstract. Abstracts presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, and the findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Embargoed until 10 a.m. ET/9 a.m. CT, Sunday, Sept.7, 2025

This news release contains updated information from the researcher that was not in the abstract.

BALTIMORE, Sept. 7, 2025 — Blood pressure matters at all ages. Children with higher blood pressure at age 7 may be at an increased risk of dying of cardiovascular disease by their mid-50s,  according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025. The meeting is in Baltimore, September 4-7, 2025, and is the premier scientific exchange focused on recent advances in basic and clinical research on high blood pressure and its relationship to cardiac and kidney disease, stroke, obesity and genetics. The study is simultaneously published today in JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“We were surprised to find that high blood pressure in childhood was linked to serious health conditions many years later. Specifically, having hypertension or elevated blood pressure as a child may increase the risk of death by 40% to 50% over the next five decades of an individual’s life,” said Alexa Freedman, Ph.D., lead author of the study and an assistant professor in the department of preventive medicine at the Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. “Our results highlight the importance of screening for blood pressure in childhood and focusing on strategies to promote optimal cardiovascular health beginning in childhood.”

Previous research has shown that childhood blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood, and a 2022 study found that elevated blood pressure in older children (average age of 12 years) increased the risk of cardiovascular death by middle age (average age of 46 years). The current study is the first to investigate the impact of both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure in childhood on long-term cardiovascular death risk in a diverse group of children. Clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend checking blood pressure at annual well-child pediatric appointments starting at age 3 years.

“The results of this study support monitoring blood pressure as an important metric of cardiovascular health in childhood,” said Bonita Falkner, M.D., FAHA, an American Heart Association volunteer expert. “Moreover, the results of this study and other older child cohort studies with potential follow-up in adulthood will contribute to a more accurate definition of abnormal blood pressure and hypertension in childhood.” Falkner, who was not involved in this study, is emeritus professor of pediatrics and medicine at Thomas Jefferson University.

The researchers used the National Death Index to follow up on the survival or cause of death as of 2016 for approximately 38,000 children who had their blood pressures taken at age 7 years as part of the Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP), the largest U.S. study to document the influence of pregnancy and post-natal factors on the health of children. Blood pressure measured in the children at age 7 years were converted to age-, sex-, and height-specific percentiles according to the American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guidelines. The analysis accounted for demographic factors as well as for childhood body mass index, to ensure that the findings were related to childhood blood pressure itself rather than a reflection of children who were overweight or had obesity.

After follow-up through an average age of 54 years, the analysis found: 

• Children who had higher blood pressure (age-, sex-, and height-specific systolic or diastolic blood pressure percentile) at age 7 were more likely to die early from cardiovascular disease as adults by their mid-50s. The risk was highest for children whose blood pressure measurements were in the top 10% for their age, sex and height.
• By 2016, a total of 2,837 participants died, with 504 of those deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease.
• Both elevated blood pressure (90-94^th percentile) and hypertension (≥95^th percentile) were linked with about a 40% to 50% higher risk of early cardiovascular death in adulthood.
• Moderate elevations in blood pressure were also important, even among children whose blood pressure was still within the normal range. Children who had blood pressures that were moderately higher than average had a 13% (for systolic) and 18% (for diastolic) higher risk of premature cardiovascular death.
• Analysis of the 150 clusters of siblings in the CPP found that children with the higher blood pressure at age 7 had similar increases in risk of cardiovascular death when compared to their siblings with the lower blood pressure readings (15% increase for systolic and 19% for diastolic), indicating that their shared family and early childhood environment could not fully explain the impact of blood pressure.

“Even in childhood, blood pressure numbers are important because high blood pressure in children can have serious consequences throughout their lives. It is crucial to be aware of your child’s blood pressure readings,” Freedman said.

The study has several limitations, primarily that the analysis included one, single blood pressure measurement for the children at age seven, which may not capture variability or long-term patterns in childhood blood pressure. In addition, participants in the CPP were primarily Black or white, therefore the study’s findings may not be generalizable to children of other racial or ethnic groups. Also, children today are likely to have different lifestyles and environmental exposures than the children who participated in the CPP in the 1960s and 1970s.

Study details, background and design:  

• 38,252 children born to mothers enrolled at one of 12 sites across the U.S. as part of the Collaborative Perinatal Project between 1959-1965. 50.7% of participants were male; 49.4% of mothers self-identified as Black, 46.4% reported as white; and 4.2% of participants were Hispanic, Asian or other groups.
• This analysis reviewed blood pressure taken at age 7, and these measures were converted to age-, sex-, and height-specific percentiles according to the American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline for Screening and Management of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents.
• Survival through 2016 and the cause of death for the offspring of CPP participants in adulthood were retrieved through the National Death Index.
• Survival analysis was used to estimate the association between childhood blood pressure and cardiovascular death, adjusted for childhood body mass index, study site, and mother’s race, education and marital status.
• In addition, the sample included 150 groups of siblings, and the researchers examined whether the sibling with higher blood pressure was more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than the sibling with lower blood pressure. This sibling analysis allowed researchers to ask how much shared family and early childhood factors might account for the mortality risk related to blood pressure.  

Note: Oral presentation #102 is at 10:00 a.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.

Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.

Additional Resources:

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The American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025 is a premier scientific conference dedicated to recent advancements in both basic and clinical research related to high blood pressure and its connections to cardiac and kidney diseases, stroke, obesity and genetics. The primary aim of the meeting is to bring together interdisciplinary researchers from around the globe and facilitate engagement with leading experts in the field of hypertension. Attendees will have the opportunity to discover the latest research findings and build lasting relationships with researchers and clinicians across various disciplines and career stages. Follow the conference on X using the hashtag #Hypertension25.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries and AHA Expert Perspective:

AHA Communications & Media Relations in Dallas: 214-706-1173; ahacommunications@heart.org

Michelle Kirkwood: Michelle.Kirkwood@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

The FDA recently approved new Covid vaccines for Americans, but due to certain restrictions, there has been mounting confusion on what they are, how much protection they will offer, and if various insurance companies will cover them. Below are answers to some common questions the general public may have on the new updated Covid vaccines.

How Many Updated Covid Vaccines Are There?

To date, there will be three new updated Covid vaccines. A Moderna vaccine has been approved for those six months of age and older, a Pfizer vaccine for those five years of age and older, and a Novavax vaccine for those 12 years of age and older.

What Strain(s) Will The Vaccines Protect Against?

The updated vaccines will target the JN.1 lineage of Covid-19, using the LP.8.1 strain. This lineage is a descendant of the Omicron variant of the virus. Currently, the dominant strain in the United States that is causing most infections is the XFG, or “stratus” variant, according to data from WastewaterSCAN.

As the XFG is a descendant of the Omicron variant and is closely related to the LP.8.1 strain of the virus, the newly updated Covid vaccines should offer protection against this dominant variant and will be effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death, per the World Health Organization.

Who Can Get The Vaccine?

Traditionally, anyone six months of age and older were eligible to receive Covid shots. That changed recently when the FDA restricted the vaccine for those 65 years of age and older, or for younger individuals six months of age and older with an underlying condition that would put them at high risk for severe Covid infection. These individuals will likely be able to get the vaccine at various healthcare clinics and pharmacies with insurance covering the cost of the shot.

What Qualifies As High Risk For Severe Covid Infection?

Those under 65 years of age will need to have at least one medical condition that would put that at high risk for severe Covid in order to get the new updated Covid vaccine. Although it remains unclear exactly how many and what conditions qualify for putting one at severe risk for Covid infection, the CDC back in February identified 22 qualifying conditions that include obesity, depression, diabetes, asthma and cancer.

This risk could be modified this month by the CDC since the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is set to meet September 18^th to make formal recommendations on the Covid vaccine. In addition, although pregnancy was included back in February as a qualifying condition for getting the Covid vaccine, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has since stated that healthy pregnant individuals would not qualify to get the shots. Further clarification will likely come later this month.

Can You Still Get The Covid Vaccine If You Want To And Do Not Qualify Under The FDA Restrictions?

If you are a healthy young adult or child that does not have an underlying condition that would put you at risk for severe Covid, in theory you could still potentially get a Covid shot, but there could be significant barriers. Most adults would need to get a prescription from their doctor and then present it at a pharmacy or health clinic to get the vaccine. For children, Secretary Kennedy is now requiring shared decision making between parents and physicians, which requires a conversation in order to possibly get a prescription for the Covid vaccine.

However, there may be significant barriers for each of the above situations to play out. For example, some Americans may not have a primary care doctor, thus precluding them from getting a prescription for the Covid shot. Even if they were to get a prescription, they may not be willing to pay the $150 for the Covid vaccine, particularly if they are uninsured and have to pay the cost out of pocket. More than 27 million Americans lack health insurance, according to the CDC. Finally, some physicians may be reluctant to write a prescription for the Covid vaccine “off-label” since it has not been officially recommended or approved by the FDA for a certain subset of the population.

The ACIP is set to meet September 18^th, and the outcome of that meeting and subsequent CDC approval could provide further clarification on Covid vaccine approvals and whether or not insurance companies will cover the shots, since insurance coverage for many plans is intimately tied with the recommendations from the ACIP and CDC.

Dr. Pal explains that walking 10,000 steps briskly can burn around 500 calories daily, totaling 3,500 calories in a week. However, for many, completing 10,000 steps takes approximately 1.5 hours, which is difficult to fit into a daily routine. In the video, Dr. Pal humorously notes giving a metaphor that his friend, walks so slowly that patience is burned more than calories.

High-Intensity Interval Training as an Alternative

Instead of the prolonged walk, Dr. Pal recommends a short burst of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). By alternating a few minutes of high-intensity movements to elevate heart rate with periods of lower intensity, a 30-minute HIIT session can burn the same calories as a 1.5-hour walk. This approach is both time-efficient and effective, making it suitable for people with tight schedules.

Every Step Counts

Medical experts emphasize that benefits from walking begin well before reaching 10,000 steps. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Christian Medical College, Vellore, referenced the UK Biobank study, which found that every additional 1,000 steps per day reduces risks of heart disease and stroke. Even step counts as low as 2,500 to 4,000 can lower mortality and cardiovascular complications compared to sedentary lifestyles.

Focus on Brisk, Short Bursts

Brisk walking, even for just 30 minutes, can have a protective effect on heart health. Short intervals of faster-paced walking offer benefits beyond slower, longer walks, especially for individuals with high blood pressure. Dr. Kumar advises gradually increasing step counts and maintaining a brisk pace to gain maximum cardiovascular benefit without overwhelming beginners.

Practical Tips for Effective Walking

The Mayo Clinic notes that proper walking technique enhances effectiveness. Maintaining good posture, relaxed shoulders, an engaged core, and smooth heel-to-toe movement can maximize benefits. Alternating brisk and leisurely walking mimics interval training, while planning safe routes, supportive footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and including warm-up and cool-down periods ensures an effective and sustainable routine.

Parents pass down more than genes. Their everyday choices shape how children see the world.

A new study from São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil shows how this works with physical activity. Children copy the habits of their parents, whether active or sedentary.

The researchers tracked 182 children and teenagers, aged 6 to 17, along with their parents. They used accelerometers, devices that measure movement with precision.

The results were clear: children with inactive parents spent more time sitting. Children with active parents were less sedentary.

Mothers play a bigger role

The study also revealed something striking. Mothers influenced their children’s activity levels more strongly than fathers. Their effect was more than double.

The exact reason is still uncertain, but daily routines could explain part of it. Mothers often spend more time shaping schedules around meals, homework, and television.

“The results indicate that parents’ level of physical activity can directly influence their children’s habits. In other words, when parents maintain a more active routine, their children are less likely to remain seated for long periods,” Diego Christofaro noted.

Christofaro is a professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT-UNESP) at the Presidente Prudente campus and the lead author of the article published in the journal Sports Medicine and Health Science.

Sedentary lifestyles rising

The findings matter because inactivity in childhood is already a public health concern. In Brazil, 11% to 38% of children and adolescents are overweight. Sedentary routines contribute directly to this problem.

The risks go beyond weight gain. Research links too much sitting with heart problems, back pain, poor sleep, anxiety, and depression.

Once these patterns start, they are hard to change. A child who spends long hours sitting is likely to carry those habits into adult life. That makes early action vital.

Kids copy parents’ activity

The home environment explains much of this. Children often copy their parents’ screen habits. If parents watch hours of television, children usually do too. When limits on screen time are missing, the hours grow longer.

But the opposite is also true. When parents swap sitting for exercise, children follow their lead.

In one Canadian study, every 20 minutes of vigorous parental activity added 5 to 10 minutes of moderate activity in children. Kids don’t just listen to words; they notice actions.

Parents’ education shapes activity

Education changes the picture as well. Parents with higher education levels tend to set more structured routines. They often balance screen time with sports or outdoor play.

Parents with higher levels of education also recognize the harm of excessive sitting and take steps to prevent it.

Awareness is powerful. A parent who knows the risks of long sedentary hours is more likely to limit television, encourage outdoor play, or join their child in activity. Those choices add up over time.

The value of support

Support at home makes staying active easier. Equipment, safe spaces, and shared activities all matter. Families who play sports together or go for walks often see children grow up more active.

Shared routines also create memories, tying positive feelings to exercise and movement.

On the other hand, when support is missing, even motivated children face obstacles. A lack of safe places to play or no encouragement from parents can keep them sitting.

A message for public health

“Sedentary habits are the result of multiple factors, such as lack of access, time, and places where physical activity can be practiced,” noted Christofaro.

“However, our study shows that parents’ habits can affect their children’s health. Therefore, we believe that these results can support public policies and campaigns aimed at promoting a more active lifestyle in the family environment.”

The study showed that parent-child links in sedentary behavior appeared only when parents were insufficiently active. In families where parents stayed active, those links weakened. That means active parents can protect children from inheriting sedentary patterns.

Parents set activity goals

Brazil’s health guidelines recommend that children and adolescents spend at least 60 minutes a day on moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Parents should aim for 150 minutes of activity each week. These targets are not just numbers. They represent habits that can shape family health across generations.

Children copy what they see. Parents who sit less and move more give their children a model worth repeating. Small daily choices – walking instead of sitting, playing instead of watching – can ripple through a child’s life, reducing risks and building healthier futures.

The study is published in the journal Sports Medicine and Health Science.

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The risk of stroke is greater in women with hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy vs no surgery, according to a recent study published in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society.¹

This data supports the link between estrogen and stroke risk, indicated by an increased risk among postmenopausal women vs reproductive-aged women. Hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy was linked to an 18% increase in risk, vs 5% for hysterectomy alone.

“The results of this study demonstrate increased stroke risk related to hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy, highlighting that these common procedures carry longer-term risks,” said Stephanie Faubion, MD, MBA, medical director for The Menopause Society. “They also call attention to an opportunity for more careful assessment of cardiovascular risk.”

Stroke outcomes and data collection

Data was obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a prospective CDC study with health, diet, personal, social, and economic information.² A retrospective cohort from 1999 to 2018 was developed using this data.

Reproductive health questions were used to collect hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy data. This included questions about whether patients had a hysterectomy, age at hysterectomy, whether an ovary was removed, and how many ovaries were removed.

This information was linked to the National Death Index for death certificate records. Stroke was based on International Classification of Diseases codes, with follow-up occurring until the end of the interview period, participant death, or December 31, 2019. Covariates included demographics, traditional risk factors, and female-specific factors.

There were 21,240 US women aged 20 to 85 years included in the final analysis, representing approximately 85.9 million patients. Among this cohort, 193 stroke-related deaths were reported.

Key findings on stroke risk

A significant link was reported between hysterectomy and stroke, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.34. However, when adjusting for demographics and traditional risk factors, the HR decreased to 1.16, no longer showing significance. Similarly, an HR of 1.28 was reported when further adjusting for female-specific factors.

There were also no significant associations found across subgroups based on age. However, hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy led to a significant increase in stroke risk of 51%, with an HR of 1.55. In comparison, non-significant HRs of 0.92 and 1.32 were reported for hysterectomy alone and hysterectomy with unilateral ovariectomy.

Hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy also had an HR of 1.62 for stroke vs hysterectomy alone, highlighting a significant increase in risk. There was also no significant association between hysterectomy and stroke risk in a sensitivity analysis of only patients without a history of stroke.

Meta-analysis findings

In a meta-analysis of 15 articles published between 2009 and 2023, increased odds of stroke were reported in patients with hysterectomy, with an HR of 1.09. However, this was only pronounced in benign indications during subanalysis. The HR for these indications was 1.10, vs 1.05 for benign and malignant indications.

Ovarian conservation and bilateral oophorectomy had HRs of 1.05 and 1.18, respectively, for stroke, both indicating increased risk. Overall, the data indicated increased stroke risk among women with hysterectomy with or without bilateral oophorectomy vs no surgery, though the data was limited by being self-reported and potentially including unilateral cases in the reference group.

“Future prospective studies with a large sample size and longer follow-up period are needed to address the disparities of type of stroke, age at surgery, surgical techniques, and menopause status on the association between stroke risk and hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy,” wrote investigators.

References

1. Hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy may increase risk of stroke. The Menopause Society. September 3, 2025. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1096712.
2. Shao C, Xu C, Zou D, et al. Stroke risk in women with or without hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy: evidence from the NHANES 1999-2018 and meta-analysis. Menopause. 2025;32(12). doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002616

Myths about long COVID abound. Untruths about this post-pandemic condition have gone viral in their own way. Whether misinformation or outdated advice is to blame, stick to these COVID-19 facts, backed by experts and science.

Meet the experts: Lisa Sanders, M.D., medical director of Yale New Haven Health’s Multidisciplinary Long COVID Care Center; and Saahir Khan, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant clinical professor of infectious diseases at Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California

Here, doctors debunk popular misconceptions associated with the condition.

The smaller body surface area of Indians leads to smaller coronary artery dimensions. Narrower the arteries, higher the risk of early blockage. But the worst part is, blocked artery symptoms aren’t easy to identify. Eating clean, following a healthy lifestyle aren’t enough. However, certain symptoms can be identified through standard medical tests. In a recent video Cardiovascular Surgeon Dr Jeremy London shared 4 tests that can help identify blocked arteries and lower the risk of Cardiovascular complications.

Dr Jeremy explains blood pressure gets easily modified by lifestyle changes. According to The World Health Organisation (WHO), only 12% of the Indian population have blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is a ‘silent killer’ that increases the risk of blocked arteries as it damages the artery walls and leads to the accumulation of fatty deposits. Tracking blood pressure is critical for early detection and can lower the risk of blocked arteries.

Advanced Blood Panel can detect hidden risks

An Advances Blood Panel goes beyond the standard blood tests. It is a set of blood tests that identifies the hidden dangers of Atherosclerosis or Plaque build-up in the arteries. While a basic blood panel usually checks cholesterol and sugar, an Advances Blood Panel goes beyond that and may reveal number and type of cholesterol particles, inflammation in blood vessels and blood clotting tendency. Researchers have found, even if cholesterol numbers are low, one can still develop blocked arteries that lead to the risk of heart attack.

Visceral fat or the ‘dangerous’ fat around internal organs of the abdominal area is a risk factor for Artery Blockage. Cardiovascular Surgeon Dr London describes Visceral fat as ‘an engine for inflammation’. The third test Dr London recommends is DEXA scan or the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. DEXA Scan reveals the level of Visceral fat in the body. Identification of Visceral fat is crucial as it secretes inflammatory proteins into the bloodstream that damage the Endothelium, the inner lining of arteries.

The fourth test Dr London recommends and describes as the most powerful determinants of longevity is the VO2 Max Test. This Maximum Oxygen Uptake test measures Cardiovascular efficiency and reflects aerobic fitness. While athletes are familiar with the VO2 test, Cardiologists too, are recommending this test, as early signs of a low VO2 max can lead to artery blockage.

If a food could earn a “most nutritionally confusing” award, it would be eggs. It can feel as if one day eggs are heart-healthy, and the next, they’re heart-harming. 

First, the good news: For most people, eggs can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. “Eggs are an economical source of high-quality protein and vitamins like A, D, E, K and B vitamins, as well as lutein and choline,” says Susan White, RDN, a registered dietitian specializing in heart health. 

At the same time, eggs also contain dietary cholesterol. And that’s where things get sticky. Turns out, we don’t all absorb or metabolize cholesterol the same way. So, if you’re wondering what eating a daily egg (or two) will do to your cholesterol, the answer is different for everyone.

If you could use a little help figuring out how many eggs it’s OK for you to eat every day, keep reading. 

3 Ways Eggs May Impact Cholesterol

Your body needs cholesterol for critical functions like hormone and vitamin D production. So, it’s not entirely a bad thing. However, too much cholesterol can raise the risk of heart disease. 

Depending on the following three factors, eggs may—or may not—raise your cholesterol levels.

Everyone Absorbs Eggs’ Cholesterol Differently

We get cholesterol from foods of animal origin, especially red and processed meat, poultry with skin, butter, full-fat dairy, shrimp and, of course, eggs. One whole large egg contains 206 milligrams of cholesterol. However, the amount of cholesterol in our bloodstreams doesn’t just come from the foods we eat. “Your body’s own cholesterol production has the main impact on your blood cholesterol level,” says White. “Most people don’t realize that our own body produces 800 to 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol per day. This depends on genetics and liver function, but this is an average.”

Your genes don’t just determine how much cholesterol your liver makes. They also influence how much cholesterol you absorb from the foods you eat. While the typical person absorbs about 50% of the cholesterol in their food, this amount can vary widely from person to person. In fact, cholesterol absorption rates can range from as little as 20% to as high as 80%. So, if you happen to be one of the lucky people who absorb little cholesterol, eggs may not make much of a difference in your blood cholesterol at all. But if you’re a cholesterol-absorbing machine, a daily egg probably isn’t the best thing for your cholesterol levels.

They Are Low in Saturated Fat

The cholesterol in your food isn’t the only thing that impacts your blood cholesterol. Saturated fat is also a big part of the cholesterol picture. When overconsumed, saturated fat can promote the gunking-up of your arteries, raising your “unhealthy” LDL cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of heart disease. That’s why keeping saturated fat intake low is key for keeping cholesterol levels in a healthy range. To manage your cholesterol, the American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to less than 6% of your total daily calories. That’s about 11 to 13 grams for someone who eats 2,000 calories per day.

The good news: Eggs are surprisingly low in saturated fat, with one egg providing just 1.6 grams. The rest of their fat is unsaturated fat, which is considered heart-healthy.

They May Help with Weight Management

Overweight or obesity can increase your risk of high cholesterol. This is because excess body fat triggers the body to produce more cholesterol. On the flip side, losing about 10% of one’s body weight has been found to reduce cholesterol levels.

That’s where eggs come in. One whole egg has about 70 calories and 6 grams of protein, which helps promote satiety. This is one reason why eggs are often included in weight-loss or weight-management eating plans. In fact, eating eggs as part of a low-calorie eating plan has been found to decrease body mass index (BMI). So, as long as you’re not one of those people who absorb tons of cholesterol from food, eggs may indirectly help keep your cholesterol in check.

How Many Eggs Are Safe for Cholesterol?

In the past, guidelines have recommended limiting dietary cholesterol to 300 mg per day. Today, recommendations are more vague, telling us to keep consumption low without any specific limit. That makes it confusing to figure out where eggs fit in, especially since research can be mixed. “You might read one meta-analysis that says you don’t have to worry about eating eggs, while another says that you should stick to one per day,” says White. “It becomes challenging to weed through all of the information.” 

“When it comes to the impact on cardiovascular disease risk, we still want to be conscientious of dietary cholesterol,” says White. In terms of how many eggs you can safely eat per day or week, consider your heart risk. When White works with patients with diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol, she might recommend that they consume no more than three egg yolks per week, as the yolks are where all the cholesterol is (since the whites are cholesterol-free, they can eat as many whites as they desire). 

If your cholesterol is in a healthy range or you don’t have cardiovascular risk factors, you’re generally OK eating one whole egg per day. In fact, one umbrella review found no difference in mortality risk between people who ate roughly one egg per day compared to people who practically never ate eggs. However, the study authors also note that the scientific evidence on this topic is insufficient and of low strength. So, more high-quality research is needed.

Of course, some people like to eat more than one egg. After all, have you seen people on social media who might have three, four or five whole eggs for breakfast? So, what then? “There are studies that say up to two eggs per day is permissible for a healthy individual, but beyond that, I don’t think we have strong clinical evidence to provide reassurance that more is fine,” says White. 

When it comes to deciding how many eggs are right for you, an individualized approach is the best way to go. This allows you to feed yourself in a way that you enjoy and find nourishing, while minimizing health risks. 

Talk to your health care provider about having your cholesterol checked regularly and how often they recommend checking it. When you do, watch for any jumps in harmful LDL cholesterol that may be related to increased egg intake. If your cholesterol rises to an unhealthy level, your health care provider might recommend decreasing egg consumption and looking for alternate, lower-cholesterol or cholesterol-free protein sources. These may include skinless poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds or whey or pea protein powders.

Tips to Eat Eggs for Better Cholesterol

If you’re an egg lover, these tips can help you enjoy eggs and keep your heart healthy, too:

• Eat more plants:  “A plant-forward diet is associated with less cardiovascular disease,” says White. A healthy diet that contains eggs should also have lots of plant foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes.
• Balance your meal: Your overall diet matters, so eat eggs along with other nutrient-rich foods. For example, consider having a veggie omelet with fruit on the side or serving up a hard-boiled egg with a bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and berries. 
• Consider adding more whites: To boost the protein content of your scramble or omelet, mix a couple of egg whites with one whole egg.
• Opt for heart-healthy preparations: Hard-boiled and poached eggs don’t require any added cooking fat compared to frying or scrambling them in saturated fat-heavy butter or bacon grease. If you’re more of a fried or scrambled egg person, cook them in heart-healthy olive or canola oil.

Our Expert Take

If you’re wondering what happens to your cholesterol when you eat eggs every day, the answer is different for everyone. On the upside, eggs are rich in vitamins and minerals and contain high-quality protein, which may help lower cholesterol by promoting a healthier body weight. They are also low in saturated fat, which is a primary culprit for raising cholesterol. Although eggs do contain cholesterol, dietary cholesterol has a lesser impact on blood cholesterol levels compared to the cholesterol the body naturally produces. So, consuming one whole egg per day is generally safe for most healthy adults. 

However, some people are genetically prone to absorb more cholesterol from food than others. If you notice that your cholesterol spikes when you start eating more eggs, you may want to back off.  Likewise, if you have risk factors for heart disease, including diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend eating no more than three whole eggs per week. In the end, everyone has different nutritional needs. “Historically, when we think of nutrition, too often we think of specific foods as ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” says White. But when it comes to eggs and cholesterol, one size doesn’t fit all.

We’ve written about men getting leg-lengthening surgery before. They’re spending thousands of dollars and months of recovery to inch closer to six feet. But now, women are heading in the opposite direction. Not to correct deformities or injury. Just to be…shorter. In the hope that it will help them in the love department.

Clinics in Istanbul are offering a new kind of cosmetic service: limb-shortening surgery for women who believe their height is working against them romantically. And while it might sound like the setup to a dystopian rom-com, it’s very real and very painful.

Surgeons cut the femur or tibia, remove bone, then secure what’s left with a metal rod. The upper leg can be reduced by up to 5.5 centimeters (2.2 inches), the lower leg by 3 centimeters (1.2 inches). One woman reportedly went from 172 to 167.9 centimeters (5’7¾” to 5’6″).

Most clinics promote the surgery as part of a complete “package,” including hospitalization, city tours, restaurant dinners, and even boat rides. But the post-op reality isn’t glamorous. Patients spend months recovering, often in wheelchairs, with intensive physical therapy four to five times a week.

Risks include nerve damage, bone infections, muscle weakness, and nonunion fractures that may never heal properly. Metal rods have weight limits, too, so you need to be under 75 kg (165 lbs) to even qualify.

Women Are Undergoing Limb-Shortening Surgery Just for Love

According to the Daily Mail, one Istanbul clinic has done at least 10 cosmetic limb-shortening surgeries since 2023. And while no global registry tracks these procedures yet, forums and Reddit threads have started filling up with stories from tall women who say they’ve struggled to date.

One reason? Height politics. Studies show that most men prefer women shorter than themselves, and women tend to prefer taller partners. That leaves some taller women caught in between, and apparently willing to sacrifice inches to close the gap.

Despite the absurdity of breaking your legs to be shorter, height has been directly connected to health. Researchers have linked tall stature in women to conditions like endometriosis and increased cancer risk. But that’s not what’s driving this particular trend. For many, it circles back to dating and the belief that being smaller may make them more “approachable.”

It’s a complicated equation. Shrinking yourself to feel seen by someone else seems a bit over the top.